What to expect as Raila takes part in AU debate tonight
When three candidates for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson’s seat take part in a public debate today (Friday), they will not only be explaining their vision and agenda but will also be showcasing their public speaking skills. Most importantly, they will be addressing the public directly for the first time on a joint platform ahead of the February 2025 elections.
Why the debate
The African Union, as part of its reforms, launched the debate – dubbed Mjadala Afrika – in 2017 to allow candidates to respond to moderated questions as well as defend their vision before an African audience. The idea, the AU argued, was to bring the leadership of the continental bloc closer to the people and remove the wall of secrecy that has barricaded the organisation for years.
Yet, this will only be the second time such a debate has happened in seven years, a result of a single candidate competing for re-election in 2021: Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad.
The debate, AU says, will provide a vital platform for candidates to discuss their visions and proposals for addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges.
“The debate focuses on policy issues and a solutions-oriented engagement on how each candidate intends to advance realisation of the Aspirations and Goals of Agenda 2063, other AU projects with continental focus, and Common African Positions.”
The candidates
On Friday, Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will take to the podium against Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato.
The former Mauritius Foreign Affairs Minister, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, withdrew his candidature early in the month. It is still a men-only contest, meaning the next deputy chairperson is sure to be a woman (AU rules of procedure forbid the same gender occupying chair and deputy at the same time).
The moderators
Back to the debate, the session will be moderated by Canada-based Ghanian Anita Erskine, who doubles as the Executive Director of Erskine Global Communications, and Algerian journalist Fatima Charef. In 2017, organisers brought in a woman and a man to moderate. This will be the first all-female moderated debate.
The three candidates have spoken of economic transformation, enhancing trade, financial independence, gender equity, agricultural transformation and climate action. Others are integration and peace and security. Overall, the three have hinged Africa’s development to peace and stability and ending wars.
Responding to questions
The candidates will have to explain to an audience, composed mostly of youthful Africans, how they will translate policies into action. They may also respond to a set of questions from a virtual audience, although some will also be allowed in the hall in Addis Ababa, the venue of the debate.
For most of the chairperson’s role, however, he acts on decisions of the Assembly of heads of state and government, the highest decision-making organ of the bloc.
Mjadala Afrika means “African Debate” in Swahili.
“These discussions are particularly relevant as Africa seeks to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape,” according to a dispatch from the African Union Commission.
“The platform represents an important moment for democratic engagement in Africa.”
The debate will feature a panel of candidates who will respond to questions posed by two moderators — one English and another French speaking.
“This interactive format is designed to encourage transparency and foster direct engagement between candidates and the African people. Each candidate will have the opportunity to present their vision and elaborate on their policy proposals,” says the AU.
Each of the three candidates hope to succeed Mr Faki who has served his second and final term.
Languages of the debate
The debate will be conducted in all the six official working languages of the AU — English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided to the candidates and the audience as well as the broadcast and digital platform channels.
The debate will be televised from 7pm to 9pm East African Time (EAT), at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The 2024 edition of the Mjadala Afrika will set the momentum for the election that will take place in February 2025.
The upcoming elections will take place during the next Assembly.
The first debate of this kind was held in December 2016 when five candidates vying for the position of AUC Chairperson participated in the live televised debate. The second, which would have been held in 2020, did not take place “as there was only one candidate vying for the position of the Chairperson of the AU Commission in a re-election bid,” said AU.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.